Moda Blockheads 4: The Layout
I’m sorry it took me so long. I really am. I finally have layout details for the Moda Blockheads 4 free block of the week in Flower Pot fabric. If you’ll recall, I’ve been making (2) blocks per design in the 4.5″ finished size. I haven’t made them all but have accumulated about 60 sampler blocks so far. Here’s what I am doing with them…
The Layout
This layout is a simple one to really let those sampler blocks shine. An off-center patchwork section is created first by arranging the 5″ sampler blocks in a checkerboard design, alternating 5″ print squares in between. You could use a couple Flower Pot charm packs for maximum scrappiness – or – cut squares from a handful of your favorite prints. I opted for the latter, cutting a low volume variety from the ivory and taupe colorways to create maximum checkerboard contrast. (NOTE: this mockup is not literal. I did not have time to mock up every single MBH4 sampler block I made but hopefully this gives you the gist.)
To finish this quilt top, you’ll also need a couple prints for the top and bottom sections. Of course, you are free to modify this layout plan to suit how many sampler blocks you have and what kind of finished size you’re aiming for. I wanted a larger lap quilt so mine will finish at approx. 77″ x 80″. I may do something similar with my batch of Love Note blocks but make it baby-sized.
Quilt Top Assembly
Patchwork Section
Gather (59) sampler blocks 5″ x 5″ + (60) print squares 5″ x 5″ and set them into (7) rows x (17) blocks. Alternating the sampler blocks with the low volume print squares makes a cool checkerboard design as shown below. Next, sew the units into rows and press. Sew the rows together and press. The finished patchwork section should measure approx. 32″ x 77″. Measure to get the exact width. (You will need this measurement for trimming the top and bottom sections.) I recommend measuring the width of the patchwork section in multiple places and calculating the average.
Top Section
You will need 1 yard for the top section. Cut it in half to get (2) strips 18″ x WOF. Sew the (2) strips together to get a unit measuring approx. 18″ x 80″. Trim the width to match the width of the patchwork section (should be approx. 18″ x 77″).
Bottom Section
You will need 1-3/4 yards for the bottom section. Cut (2) strips 30″ x WOF. Sew the (2) strips together to get a unit measuring approx. 30″ x 80″. Trim the width to match the width of the patchwork section (should be approx. 30″ x 77″).
Sew the top and bottom sections to the patchwork section, pinning in place beforehand. Press.
Materials:
Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need to finish your quilt like mine. Specific SKU info is from the Flower Pot fabric collection.
- 1 yard top print (SKU 5165-11 “Sprout”)
- (59) Moda Blockheads 4 sampler blocks 5″ x 5″
- (60) assorted squares 5″ x 5″ (I cut low-volume squares from a few ivory and taupe fat quarters from the collection)
- 1-3/4 yards bottom print (SKU 5163 21 “Garden Dot”)
- 3/4 yard binding fabric (I’d go with one of the stripes, maybe SKU 5167-16)
- 6-1/4 yards backing fabric
- 85″ x 88″ batting
Moda Blockheads 4 Archive
For more information about the Moda Blockheads 4 free block of the week – visit my original post here. Just scroll to the bottom of the post to find a complete archive of the free MBH4 block patterns. To see the individual blocks I made, peruse my MBH4 posts here.
Join the Moda Blockheads Facebook page for more inspiration and interaction. It’s a great community and the first place you can hear about new block patterns and future quilt alongs. It’s also a great space to share your progress and interact with fellow blockheads.
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8 Comments
Lisa Rettig
September 27, 2022 at 8:05 amThat is lovely! I really like it.
Patty S.
September 27, 2022 at 1:00 pmVery cool layout! Is this post printable by chance?
lellaboutique
September 28, 2022 at 1:39 pmIf you copy and paste it into a word document, it is! Hope that helps!
Diana
September 27, 2022 at 3:21 pmBeautiful layout!
Is this post printable? Please? Thanks so much.
My memory since COVID is not quite up to speed yet. Still have trouble going from the computer to the cutting board or sewing machine
lellaboutique
September 28, 2022 at 1:40 pmThe easiest way is to copy and paste it into a word document. Hope that helps!
CHERIE BATES
September 28, 2022 at 5:20 pmBeautiful! You are so talented. I look forward to seeing your layout for Love Note.
Eva Pardo
September 30, 2022 at 11:14 amFinally a simple but elegant layout for Moda Blockheads 4! If you have a chance could you possibly tell us what you would suggest for the top and bottom fabric and low volume squares for Love Note fabric. It would be much appreciated – I used Love Note fabric to make the 9.5 inch blocks and I would love to adapt your layout to make a queen size quilt for my mom for xmas.
Susan
January 4, 2023 at 11:14 amYou’ve inspired me to make this quilt. Love your layout and choice of fabrics. Thank you for the inspiration!